After testing and exploring many streaming websites, we’ve found the best free and legal alternatives to 123movies. While 123movies is no longer available, these platforms allow you to stream movies and TV shows without worrying about viruses or breaking any laws. Each of these services offers a wide variety of content, and they’re all safe and easy to use. So, if you’re looking for a 123movies replacement to stream movies online free, here are the top options.
Top 15 Free and Legal Alternatives to 123movies
Here are 15 of the best sites like 123movies that let you stream movies and TV shows legally and for free.
1. Crackle
Crackle, owned by Sony, is a fantastic option if you want to stream movies online free. It provides a vast collection of movies and TV shows from various genres, including action, comedy, and drama. Crackle’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, and while the content is supported by ads, they are short and do not interfere much with the viewing experience. Crackle is accessible on multiple devices, so whether you’re watching on your phone, smart TV, or tablet, you’ll have a smooth experience.
- Link: Crackle
2. Tubi
Tubi is one of the best alternatives to 123movies, offering thousands of free movies and TV shows in various genres such as comedy, drama, horror, and more. Tubi is completely legal, and though it’s ad-supported, the ads are minimal and won’t disrupt your enjoyment. What makes Tubi stand out is its frequently updated library, making it a reliable choice for watching the latest films. It’s also available on nearly every platform, from smartphones to gaming consoles, making it an easy-to-access alternative.
- Link: Tubi
3. Popcornflix
Popcornflix offers a wide range of free movies and TV shows, making it a great 123movies alternative. It’s ad-supported, but the ads are relatively short, and you don’t need to sign up to start watching. The platform includes genres like action, comedy, family, and horror, so you’re sure to find something to enjoy. The interface is straightforward, and the service is available on most devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
- Link: Popcornflix
4. Pluto TV
Pluto TV combines live TV channels with on-demand streaming, making it one of the more versatile alternatives to 123movies. It offers over 100 channels featuring live sports, news, and entertainment, along with a large library of free movies and TV shows you can watch on demand. Pluto TV is ad-supported but completely legal, and its combination of live and on-demand content sets it apart from other services. You can access Pluto TV on nearly any device, including mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- Link: Pluto TV
5. Vudu
Vudu is well-known for offering movie rentals and purchases, but it also has a section for free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. These free titles span various genres, including comedy, drama, and action, giving you plenty of options. While Vudu requires you to create an account to access its free content, you’ll find that the selection is high-quality, with many popular movies available to stream for free. It’s a great option for those who want a mix of free and paid content without leaving a safe, legal platform.
- Link: Vudu
6. YouTube
YouTube is a trusted platform for streaming various types of content, but many people don’t realize that it also offers a selection of full-length movies and TV shows for free. While the free movies are ad-supported, the ads are manageable and much shorter compared to traditional streaming services. YouTube’s free movie section often includes a mix of older classics and more recent films, so it’s worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a quick, legal movie streaming option.
- Link: YouTube Movies
7. IMDb TV
IMDb TV, owned by Amazon, offers free streaming of high-quality movies and TV shows. The service is supported by ads, but the content is legal and includes some exclusive shows and movies you won’t find on other free platforms. With a smooth interface and compatibility with many devices, including Fire TV and Roku, IMDb TV is a solid alternative to 123movies for anyone looking for an extensive library of free content.
- Link: IMDb TV
8. Peacock TV
Peacock TV, the streaming service by NBCUniversal, offers a free tier with thousands of hours of movies, TV shows, and live sports. The free version is ad-supported, but the ads are short and not too intrusive. Peacock TV is a great option for those looking to watch both older and newer content legally. You can also find exclusive NBC content like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” making it a solid choice for TV lovers.
- Link: Peacock TV
9. Kanopy
Kanopy offers a huge collection of free movies, especially indie films, documentaries, and classic cinema, through public libraries and universities. All you need is a library card or university login to access Kanopy’s vast selection of ad-free content. The platform stands out for its high-quality films, making it a great choice for viewers looking for something different from mainstream Hollywood movies. It’s also a perfect legal alternative for fans of niche genres and educational content.
- Link: Kanopy
10. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel offers an impressive library of free movies, TV shows, and even live news and sports channels. It’s ad-supported, but the ads are brief and infrequent, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of high-quality content without interruptions. You don’t need a Roku device to watch; the service is available on smartphones, web browsers, and smart TVs. This makes The Roku Channel a reliable and legal 123movies alternative for any device.
- Link: The Roku Channel
11. Hoopla
Hoopla provides access to movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and eBooks for free through partnerships with local libraries. Just sign up with your library card, and you can borrow content instantly. Hoopla is an excellent choice for people looking for a legal 123movies alternative, as it offers a wide selection of movies and shows without any ads. It’s easy to use and accessible on various platforms, including mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
- Link: Hoopla
12. Plex
Plex is known for helping users organize their own media libraries, but it also offers a free streaming service with movies, TV shows, and documentaries. The service is ad-supported but completely legal, and the ads are not too intrusive. Plex’s selection includes popular movies and hidden gems, and its interface is clean and easy to use. You can stream Plex on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, making it a solid option for those looking to watch movies legally and for free.
- Link: Plex
13. FilmRise
FilmRise offers a wide selection of free movies and TV shows, focusing on classic cinema, documentaries, and independent films. It’s a great alternative to 123movies if you’re into old classics or looking for something different from the usual blockbusters. The service is ad-supported but legal and provides high-quality content across many platforms, including smart TVs, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.
- Link: FilmRise
14. Xumo
Xumo offers live TV streaming and a large library of on-demand movies for free. The service is supported by ads, but it offers a smooth and legal way to stream content without worrying about malware or breaking any laws. Xumo’s live TV feature makes it stand out, giving you access to live news, sports, and entertainment channels, along with its impressive collection of free movies and TV shows.
- Link: Xumo
15. Popcorn Times
Popcorn Times is a great legal option for streaming independent films, foreign movies, and documentaries. While it doesn’t focus on mainstream Hollywood movies, it’s perfect for those looking to explore different types of films. Popcorn Times is ad-supported, but the ads are not disruptive. It’s available on various devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and tablets.
- Link: Popcorn Times
Why Legal Alternatives Are Safer
While 123movies was popular for offering free movies, it operated illegally and came with risks such as malware and potential legal issues. These legal alternatives provide a safer option for watching your favorite movies and TV shows. They offer high-quality content without the risk of malware or viruses, and while they are ad-supported, the ads are minimal and worth the peace of mind. Plus, these platforms regularly update their libraries, meaning you’ll always find something new to watch.
Conclusion
Even though 123movies is no longer available, there are plenty of free and legal streaming options to choose from. Services like Crackle, Tubi, and Pluto TV offer a wide variety of content, from new releases to classic movies, all in a safe and legal environment. Whether you’re looking to stream movies online for free or enjoy your favorite TV shows without risk, these alternatives to 123movies will keep you entertained while staying safe and legal.
All FAQs for Best Free and Legal Alternatives to 123movies
1. What are some legal alternatives to 123movies for free streaming?
- Some of the top legal alternatives to 123movies include Crackle, Tubi, Popcornflix, Pluto TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies, IMDb TV, Peacock TV, Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Plex, FilmRise, Xumo, and Popcorn Times.
2. Are these streaming platforms completely free?
- Yes, all the platforms mentioned in the article offer free content. However, most of them are ad-supported, which means you will see ads during your viewing experience.
3. Do I need to sign up to use these free streaming services?
- Some platforms like Crackle, Popcornflix, and YouTube Movies do not require sign-up, while others like Vudu, IMDb TV, and Hoopla may require you to create an account or use a library card for access.
4. Are these websites safe and legal?
- Yes, all the platforms listed are safe and legal. They are licensed to stream content, and you don’t have to worry about malware, viruses, or legal risks.
5. What kind of content can I find on these platforms?
- You can find a wide variety of content, including movies and TV shows from genres like action, drama, comedy, horror, indie films, documentaries, and even live TV on platforms like Pluto TV and Xumo.
6. Do these platforms offer new releases or classic movies?
- Some platforms like Tubi, Crackle, and Peacock TV update their libraries frequently, so you can find both newer releases and classic movies. Other platforms like FilmRise and Kanopy focus more on indie films, documentaries, and older classics.
7. Can I access these streaming services on any device?
- Yes, most of these services are available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles.
8. Are there any ad-free options?
- While most platforms are ad-supported, services like Kanopy and Hoopla offer ad-free streaming if you have a library card or university login.
9. Do I need a subscription to use these services?
- No, you don’t need a subscription to access the free content on these platforms. However, some services like Vudu offer both free, ad-supported content and paid options for renting or purchasing movies.
10. Why should I use legal streaming platforms instead of illegal ones like 123movies?
- Legal streaming platforms are safer because they don’t expose you to malware, viruses, or potential legal issues. They offer high-quality, licensed content with minimal ads, ensuring a secure and enjoyable streaming experience.
11. Can I watch live TV on these platforms?
- Yes, platforms like Pluto TV and Xumo offer live TV streaming alongside on-demand movies and TV shows. You can watch live news, sports, and entertainment channels for free.
12. How often is the content updated on these free streaming services?
- Many of these platforms, like Tubi and Crackle, regularly update their libraries with new content, making it easy to find fresh movies and TV shows.
13. Do these platforms offer any exclusive content?
- Some platforms, like IMDb TV and Peacock TV, offer exclusive shows and movies that aren’t available on other free services. Peacock TV also has exclusive NBC content like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.”
14. Can I access these streaming services outside the US?
- Some services may be region-locked and only available in specific countries like the US. It’s best to check the availability of the platform in your region.
15. How do I sign up for Kanopy or Hoopla?
- To use Kanopy or Hoopla, you’ll need a library card or university login. Once you sign up, you can access a wide range of movies and TV shows without ads.
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